12. Manipulating Data Flashcards
(167 cards)
Define Data integrity
refers to how reliable of a set of data is.
Define data governance
systems and procedures for ensuing data is reliable and secure
Data integrity has a number of key components.
What are they
- Accuracy
- Consistency
- Completeness
- Reliability
- Security
Explain Accuracy in Data integrity
data should be correct and free from errors or inconsistencies.
For example, a customer’s email
address should be correct and functional.
Explain Consistency in Data integrity
data should follow set rules and formats.
For example, phone numbers should follow the same format,
This consistency ensures that the data doesn’t contradict itself or provide conflicting or misleading information.
Explain in Completeness Data integrity
all necessary data should be included with no missing data points.
For example if a data set intended to analyse company sales performance did not contain the number sold for some items, it would be inaccurate and could lead to incorrect decisions.
Explain Reliability in Data integrity
users should be able to trust the data.
It should be available when needed, and
its reliability should be ensured through measures such as backups, security protocols and validation processes.
Explain Security in Data integrity
data integrity also includes the security measures used to prevent unauthorised
access, modification, or deletion of data in order to safeguard data from tampering or
corruption.
What is validation
techniques and processes designed to ensure data is reasonable and follows specific rules
What are some key tools and practices for maintaining data integrity?
- Data validation
- data backups
- data access controls
- audit trails.
What is data validation?
The process of checking data for possible errors and inconsistencies before entering it into a system.
What is Data backup involve in
involves regularly creating copies of the data to protect it from loss or corruption,
by ensuring data can be restored in the case of system error or failure.
Why is data backup important?
it protects data from loss or corruption by allowing restoration in case of system error or failure.
What do data access controls do?
They limit who can access and modify data to prevent unauthorised changes.
Name three methods for controlling access to data.
preventing physical access
using security settings
encryption.
What is the purpose of an audit trail?
To track changes made to data and by whom, providing accountability and transparency.
What are common elements included in an audit trail?
Timestamp, username, action performed, affected data element, and source of change.
What does the “source of change” in an audit trail refer to?
Information about the system or application where the action originated.
DATA DICTIONARIES
What does the principle ‘secure by design’ mean in IT?
It means planning systems and data with security and integrity in mind from the start.
Why is it important to consider data integrity at the planning stage?
It helps ensure that data integrity can be more easily established and maintained.
What is a data dictionary?
blueprint or plan for a database that details how data is structured and stored.
What kind of information does a data dictionary provide?
Metadata about data elements, including structure, definitions, relationships, and attributes.
What is metadata
details or information that describe other data to provide deeper meaning or understanding
How does a data dictionary help maintain data integrity?
By ensuring all data complies with required structure and definitions within a system.